Thol Sanctuary is located 40 kms northwest of Ahmedabad, in Mehsana District. This lake, created in 1912, covers 7 sq. kms of mostly open water. There are small marshes at the edges and some scrub forest on the sides of the high embankments. In 1988, officially this Lake was renamed to Thol Bird Sanctuary. Thol name comes from the local village “Thol” situated near the lake.

Thol is in fact a man-constructed artificial tank utilized mainly for irrigation purposes that possesses 1450 hectares of command plot and 153 square kilometers of catchment plot. The shallow water reservoir speckled with reed beds gives it a distinct ambience while being an ideal dwelling for varied species of birds and insects. The agricultural land surrounding the lake provide ample amount of food for quite a number of birds while the hydrological ecosystem takes care of the others.

Thol promises a memorable birding experience and offers an incredible array of bird species, both resident and migratory. It is home to large nos. of visiting Great White Pelicans, Common Cranes and variety of waterfowls. One can even see (if lucky) some rare species like Mallard, Saras Crane, Ferruginous Pochard, Red-crested Pochard etc. It became particularly known in last few years when the critically endangered Sociable Plover were seen in the nearby areas.

The adjoining scrubland and agricultural edges can fetch birds like Warblers, Prinias, Flycatchers, Robins, Redstarts, Bee-eaters, Stonechats, Starlings, Parakeets, Drongos, Woodpeckers and several other species of birds.

One of the finest places, a visit to this lesser known paradise is a must for all the enthusiastic birders and photographers alike. It is now slowly becoming a very popular birding destination in India.

Also on the way while going towards Thol we can see a place now wellknown for the critically endangered vultures, where atleast 3 species of vultures can be seen at a close range. This sanctuary has now become one of the most sort after places for bird photographers of India.

NatureIndia has organized an exclusive weekend Birdwatching trip to this paradise from 23rd Feb-24th Feb 2012 (travel days excluded).

Train bookings are easily available.... Participants have to book their own travel upto Ahmedabad....However NatureIndia can only assist in bookings if required. Ahmedabad to Thol & Back: Trax Cruiser Jeep (The best travel option to move around the places quickly)

These charges are Ahmedabad to Ahmedabad and participant has to make their own travel arrangement upto Ahmedabad and Back. This does not include any charges other than the above.

Group Size : 14 persons onlyRegistration: You can register by sending a confirmation mail to natureindiatours@gmail.com and by paying non-refundable advance of Rs.3000/- (and only after our registration confirmation by return mail .....) as per the payment guidelines given below…...

Stay Arrangement: A comfortable Hotel near Thol Bird Sanctuary, Ahmedabad. The Stay arrangement is on a twin sharing basis. The Camp Premises and toilets are clean and the food is wonderful……

Resource Person: Mr.Adesh Shivkar and Mr. Mandar KhadilkarMode of Payment: You can either
1) Courier a cheque in favour of "Mandar Khadilkar"of Rs.3000/- to the following address:
Name: Mr. Mandar Khadilkar